The idea for the Carrizozo Colony Artist in Residence program began in the mind of Carrizozo artist and resident Paula Wilson who then shared it with fellow artist Joan Malkerson.
Pictured, from left; Paula Wilson, artist in residence Jimena Gracia and Joan Malkerson.(Photo11: Michelle Huey/Ruidoso News)

A mission statement written at a dining room table on a cold December day brought to life what is now the Carrizozo Colony Artist in Residence program.

The program is the vision of Carrizozo artist and resident Paula Wilson, who then shared it with fellow artist Joan Malkerson and her husband, Warren. From Malkerson's dining room, the AIR program sprang to life.

"We thought if we collaborate and bring something together, it will be better and it will be about Carrizozo and that just sounded so exciting," Joan said.

Ten artists in seven different groups were accepted to participate. Each one brings with them with the intent to break new ground and to focus on a specific project goal created from their individual artistic insight.

"It was a quick moment of inspiration," Joan said.

Carrizozo Colony AIR program fosters that offering with a light-filled sanctuary tucked away on the second floor of the historic Lutz Building on Twelfth Street in Carrizozo. Artists also are provided a cozy 350 square foot casita to live in, located across from the studio.

AIR's mission statement is to "provide individual artists space and time to focus on chosen projects in the arts. With a broad definition of ‘artist,’ the Carrizozo Colony is open to a wide a variety of artistic mediums and creative ventures. The residency promises solitude as well as interaction with the Carrizozo community. The distinctive topography, varied life zones, and multicultural archaeology of South Central New Mexico afford a unique connection with the land."

Like many young artists, Jimena Garcia uses technology as an art form.(Photo11: Courtesy/Jimena Gracia)

With that youthful energy comes an embrace of technology, conceptual and performance art

that melds with the rich art history that exists in Carrizozo and Lincoln County. The two energies combine to create a dichotomy that can create a mutual benefit for the area and artists involved.

"It's a whole fresh branch of where the art is, and I think that intermingling with everybody here, both sides will be influenced," Warren said.

"It just sort of evolves," Joan said. "You used the word, 'organic.' That is the nice thing about Carrizozo. We really have turned into an art intensive community," owner Warren Malkerson said.

The community of Carrizozo has welcomed the program and its first artist, Jimena Gracia from Mexico City, Mexico like an adopted child.

"People want to go out of their way to meet them, people want to help them have a good experience here and Carrizozo has always been so welcoming," Warren said.

"As far as the town and the towns people, it has been super interesting and lovely that everyone is so warm, and knows something about the program and is very willing to interact," Gracia said, adding that she is grateful to to have the opportunity for the experience.

"Accommodating is not enough of a word," she said about the program.

"Promoting the love of art," Joan said. "That is what we're doing here."